The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1887-02-11
DOES FARMING PAyp
Problem Which Presents Itself to Those
Living in the Older Western States


farm produce would probably be an
swered in the negative by majority
OF the farmers. And yet l am per-
suaded that money can be invested in
farm property to-day, and bring as
good return as any other equally safe
business. But it must be judiciously
invested. Assuming that the. land is
bought at its real yalue-that is, what
it would bring at public sale-the con-
ditions for success, are: 1st. That the
land shall be of the best quality. I'd.
That the improvements should be sub
stantial in character, but moderate in
extent. Sd. That the farm should be
accessible to good market, but not es-
pecially desirable as residence.
The best land is, as rule, the cheap
est. Taking two farms equally well
improved and equally well located, the
better land does not usually sell for as
much more as its real value. 1t costs
more to work poor land than good
land; but with equal care in cultivation
the returns of the best soil are con-
siderably more than those from
soil of second quality, and are often
two or three times as much as from
poor land. Indeed, it is doubtful if
many farms pay any thing at all for the
capital invested in them. The crops on
an average would notpay for the labor
employed in growing them, if this
were charged up at what it is actually
worth.
But even a slight difference in the
average returns makes a greater diff
ference in the value of the land than
most people realize. 1t is not an ex-
aggeration to say that good land will
produce an average of sixty bushels of
corn per acre as easily as second-rate
land will make forty-five bushels.
That is, first-rate land will make an
annual yield of fifteen bushels of corn.
per acre more than second-rate land,
with the same labor in preparation
and cultivation. But fifteen bushels of
corn per acre, even at the present low
prices (35 cents), and allowing five
cents per bushel for the extra labor in
handling the crop, amounts to $3.50
per acre greater annual yield. Now,
$3.50 is a fair interest in these days on
800, so that land which will make an
annual yield of sixty bushels of corn
per acre is actually worth 800 an acre
more than land which will make, with
the same labor in preparation and cul-
tivation, forty-five bushels. But it
never sells for that much more. The
best land, therefore, is the cheapest.
In this comparison we assume that
both farms are managed with equal
skill and equal cost in labor, manure,
etc. As matter of fact, second-rate
land often does yield larger crops
than better land. But it. does so be-
cause it is better managed and it's re-
sources more. carefully husbanded
But the same care and skill applied to
the best land would produce even
greater results, or the same results
may be attained at less cost, which
amounts to the same thing. So that,
if you are seeking an investment in
land, choose always the best; it will
pay better even at the seemingly high
price.
And just here may say that good
land, which exists in large body-an
entire township or county-is worth
more per acre, other things being
equal, than equally good land which is
isolated. Because the large body of
good land makes rich community,
good roads, good schools, good market
facilities, and, generally, better prices
for produce, by securing competition
amongst buyers.
If man is to occupy farm as his
residence, the improvements are not,
or ought not to be, regulated strictly
by the canons of profit. A merchant
or manufacturer in the city, who Sc
lects a lot and builds residence, if he
can afford the luxury, is not governed
strictly by convenience or economy in
choosing the site and plans. He does
not aim usually to secure physical COM
fort merely, and convenience to bust
ness, but to locate where he can enjoy
life, and have a residence where he can
receive his friends with pleasure. And
a farmer has an equal right to crafty
his taste in building, if he can afford
the luxury. Indeed, | think he ought
to do So. He ought to have as fine
residence, as commodious a barn and
out-buildings, as handsome grounds
and as attractive a place generally as
his means will allow. But he ought
not to charge it all up to the farm, and
complain if it does not pay good in
terest on the investment.
If the farm is simply an investment,
and it is desired to get the largest pos
sible return on your money, have what
buildings are necessary to work it
economically and save the crops, and
have nothing more. But have these of
the most substantial character. Tenn
porary buildings and make-shifts to
supply permanent want, are usually
the most expensive in the end.
The third condition proposed-that
the farm should be accessible to mar
ket, but not desirable as residence,
may strike some as peculiar, and yet it
is often an essential condition to good
return on the investment. Farms which
front on main road and are desirable
as residence, generally sell for one
third more than equally as good land
well improved mile or so back. If
you are seeking farm and residence,
other thing being equal, choose the
one you like best as home. 1t will
pay well for the greater cost in in
creased comfort. But if you are seek
ing an investment merely, quality, i'm
,provements and market facilities being
equal, choose that which is cheapest;
and that will be nearly always the one
whicheis not so desirable as residence.
Guided by these rules | am satisfied